Two nabbed in drug bust near school

Sarah Jean Taylor

A Turlock man, who was the subject of a Turlock Narcotics Enforcement Team investigation, was taken into custody Thursday on multiple drug and weapon charges.

According to investigators, the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Frank Manuel Diaz, had a large stash of methamphetamine he was selling in his home, which is a short distance from Cunningham Elementary School.

The TNET team had been investigating Diaz for several weeks and served a search warrant at his home in the 100 block of W. Linwood Avenue at 3:47 p.m. Thursday.

At Diaz’s home investigators found multiple packets of methamphetamine packaged for sale, as well as cash and a loaded stolen shotgun, Turlock Police spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis said.

Diaz was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine for sale, possession of stolen property, and being armed while in possession of narcotics. All the charges are felonies.

Lewis said investigators will be seeking an additional enhancement for Diaz because the alleged crimes occurred within 1,000 feet of a school.

Also taken into custody at the residence was Sarah Jean Taylor, 25, of Turlock. Taylor was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of methamphetamine.

The warrant was served later in the day to ensure the safety of the students and staff at Cunningham Elementary, Lewis said.